Wyoming River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Wyoming

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Wyoming River Map showing major rivers in Wyoming, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Wyoming State

Rivers and Waterways in Wyoming

Wyoming’s river systems are shaped by mountains, high plains, and basins, with water flowing in multiple directions across the state. Rivers in the west drain into the Columbia River system, while central and eastern rivers flow into the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Some areas also contribute to the Colorado River system. Snowmelt from mountain ranges is the primary water source. Reservoirs and lakes are essential for irrigation, water storage, and supporting communities across Wyoming’s dry landscape.

Major Rivers in Wyoming

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Green River730 miWestColorado River
Snake River1,078 miWestColumbia River
Yellowstone River692 miNorthMissouri River
North Platte River716 miCentralPlatte River
South Platte River439 miSoutheastPlatte River
Bighorn River461 miNorthYellowstone River
Wind River185 miCentralBighorn River
Powder River375 miNortheastYellowstone River
Little Snake River210 miSouthwestYampa River
Shoshone River100 miNorthwestBighorn River
Sweetwater River105 miCentralNorth Platte River
Encampment River70 miSouthNorth Platte River
Hams Fork120 miWestGreen River
Greybull River90 miNorthBighorn River
Nowood River95 miNorthBighorn River
Bear River491 miSouthwestGreat Salt Lake
Salt River84 miWestSnake River
Laramie River280 miSoutheastNorth Platte River

Major Lakes in Wyoming

LakeTypeRegion
Yellowstone LakeNatural lakeNorthwest
Jackson LakeReservoirNorthwest
Flaming Gorge ReservoirReservoirSouthwest
Boysen ReservoirReservoirCentral
Buffalo Bill ReservoirReservoirNorthwest
Seminoe ReservoirReservoirCentral
Pathfinder ReservoirReservoirCentral
Alcova ReservoirReservoirCentral
Keyhole ReservoirReservoirNortheast
Glendo ReservoirReservoirSoutheast

Major River Basins in Wyoming

Wyoming’s river basins are divided among three major drainage systems: the Colorado River, the Columbia River, and the Missouri River. These basins are essential for water supply, agriculture, and ecosystem management across the state.

  • Colorado River Basin
  • Columbia River Basin
  • Missouri River Basin
  • Green River Basin
  • Snake River Basin
  • Yellowstone River Basin
  • North Platte River Basin
  • Bighorn River Basin
  • Powder River Basin

Wyoming Rivers Facts

StateWyoming
Total Rivers & Streams100,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversGreen, Snake, Yellowstone, Platte
Total Waterway Length105,000+ miles
Main DrainageColorado, Columbia & Missouri Systems
Longest RiverSnake River
Shortest RiverSalt River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletPacific Ocean & Gulf of Mexico
Key UsesIrrigation, water supply, recreation, ecosystems
Longest River Within StateGreen River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsFlaming Gorge, Boysen, Pathfinder Reservoir
Primary Water SourceSnowmelt and surface water